Oklahoma City, Okla. -- Julia Nimal caught fire and produced a hat trick of three goals to lead the No. 7-ranked (NCCAA) Mid-America Christian Lady Evangels to a 5-1 romp over the Oklahoma Christian Lady Eagles in Sooner Athletic Conference action Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 12).
Nimal's hat trick is the second so far this season for the high-flying Lady Evangels, with Kassie Byrd accomplishing the feat in a 5-0 win over McPherson College (Kan.) back on Sept. 25.
The first goal by Nimal came on a play the Lady Evangels (11-1, 4-1 SAC) have perfected this season, a cross from the right side by Kassie Byrd that found Nimal in the middle of the box at the 14:27 mark.
Kelsey Whalen added to the MACU lead by taking advantage of the goalkeeper being out of the net in the 31st minute.
The Lady Eagles (2-8-1, 1-4 SAC) refused to go quietly and cut the deficit in half when Sarena Underwood scored just 1:35 into the second half that made it 2-1.
But it was Nimal's day as she scored two consecutive breakaway goals in the 55th and 72nd minute that put the Lady Evangels ahead comfortably, 4-1.
Byrd then got into the scoring act with a goal at the 86:02 mark for the Lady Evangels' fifth tally.
The Lady Evangels out-shot the Lady Eagles 19-12 overall and 12-5 on-goal.
Melissa Dobie made four saves in the net for MACU, while the Lady Eagles' goalkeeper stopped seven shots.
Byrd had a match-high seven shots and five shots-on-goal, with Nimal recording six shots and four on-goal.
Taylor Cofer led the Lady Eagles with four shots and two on-goal.
The Lady Evangels will next host Northwestern Oklahoma State on Friday afternoon (Oct. 15) at 2 p.m.
